'I call upon all employers to pay social security contributions on time'- Health Minister
Delivering a statement at the Second Sitting of the Third Session of the Fifth House of Assembly of the Virgin Islands on Thursday, January 15, 2026, Hon Wheatley said paying social security contributions is not only a statutory obligation, it is a moral commitment to the well-being of the people and the resilience of the economy.
"Madam Speaker, life is unpredictable. Illness, accidents, and incapacity can occur without warning. Without regular contributions, families may be left without pensions or medical support during periods of vulnerability. Social Security and National Health Insurance exist to provide a safety net; but that protection depends on consistent, accurate, and timely contributions. It is a responsibility we share, and one we must uphold."
SSB & NHI 'stand ready to work with you'
Hon Wheatley noted that he wanted to reassure employers that encountering financial challenges in meeting obligations is not a cause for despair or embarrassment. "Both the Social Security Board and National Health Insurance stand ready to work with you. Employers are invited to visit these offices promptly to arrange practical payment plans that best fit their business’s realities."
The Health Minister continued that social security is a solemn undertaking. "It is our collective promise that when we contribute, we protect ourselves, our families, our workforce, and the future of this Territory. I call upon all employers to pay contributions on time, keep payments geared towards contributions rather than penalties, and engage proactively with Social Security [Board] and National Health Insurance to establish any necessary payment arrangements. Together, we will preserve the security and dignity of our people for generations to come," Hon Wheatley stated.
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20 Responses to “'I call upon all employers to pay social security contributions on time'- Health Minister”
Employers have to pay for trade licenses, liquor licenses, social security, NHI. PAYE, this tax, that tax, Rent, Overheads. High cost of supplies at local vendors, if you even think of sourcing items overseas, freight n customs duties killing you.
What to do? What to do? It's hard being a small business in this territory. Not sure what else to do at all!!!!!
(1) don't pay them
(2) pay them the 15th salary on 30th or 31st or vice versa
(3) give them a cheque, knowing there's no funds on acct
(4) deduct NHI, SS and Gov't taxes but have no intention of
paying the respective entities.
(5) give them their payslips advising that the funds were
deposited to the employee's acct.
Its rather disrespectful, when an employee comes to work in a timely manner, completes their daily tasks and help their teammates with theirs, leaves work later than the closing time, does not call in sick, work whilst on vacation due to short staffing or does not take their vacation and decides to not take pay in lieu of doing so, all for the love of their job and to improve that business. However, that employer is disrespectful by not giving their employee ample notice advising that salaries will not be forthcoming on expected date. Instead, acting as if the employee is wrong for requesting their salary and wanting to know why that request is being made. Perhaps, the employee is not expected to meet their monthly obligations of Rent, Mortgage, Loan, Car payments, Daycare, Grocery, Utilities, Healthcare, Medications and Personal Hygiene. Yes, its a two way street but if you want us to pay whats owing to the Government, make sure its included in our payslips and most of us, if not all will be more than happy to divi up to those we should be paying. I should remind you and all employers that you are breaking the law when you deduct SS, NHI and Gov't Taxes and keep it for yourselves. Thats called THIEVERY! It's also against the law to write a cheque when your account has been closed or there isn't sufficient funds on your chequing account. Its time employees stand together and bring a class action suit on y'all behind. Some of you know better but out here pretending to be a Christian society. I keep wandering if y'all don't read y'all Bibles. Some of y'all want us the employees to suffer whilst y'all go shopping online or to one of those Boutiques around Road Town or take trips all over the World. No, we aren't jealous because we do the same once given our salaries. All we are saying, stop standing on our necks to improve your lives because we want the same for ourselves, also. So please stop your madness asking the Government to do such nonsense. As my fellow blogger, said perhaps you should have stayed an employee instead of trying to measure up to what your friend is doing because you, sir, madam isn't a true employer or business owner. Go figure things out by getting a mentor and stop asking the Government to dip into our hard earned taxpaying monies to help fund your lifestyle. You should know better so do better. Bless day to u
Start enforcing the rules on the law book against these delinquent employers. According to the law this is illegal and can be considered theft. A few employers made to spend time in jail and pay a penalty, I bet you the others will get the message and do the right thing.
To Rose and others like you with similar mindset, this is one part of the reasons why both programs have issues. Your employees trust you to pay your part along with theirs, you owe it to them to do the right thing. Paying those fees are part of doing business. Where do you think customers to your business get money to spent. (Govt the largest employer). Also would you want anyone to do this to your children, grand children and family members. Think about and see if this is you best option.